If there ever were a hedgehog queen...

Dr. Julie Botman, a wildlife veterinarian at the Oniris Wildlife Clinic in Nantes, does absolute miracles for the rescued hedgehogs that come into her care. Hedgehogs are frequent visitors for wildlife clinics here in France. Fully sedated, this little fellow is having his dressing changed and will continue to be monitored until full recovery of his skin lesions before release back to his natural habitat.

A sparrowhawk in gentle hands

A rescued Eurasian sparrowhawk is captured in a rehabilitation aviary for a thorough check-up. The hawk is no match for the wildlife caretaker, who swiftly and without error captures the bird to perform a necessary limb, wing and feather check. One-handedly and with great care, she takes photographs of the bird’s defective feathers for follow-up. The bird is released until her next visit.

Rescue of a barn owl

Rescue of a barn owl at the Oniris Veterinary Wildlife Clinic in Nantes, France. Suffering from an injury leading to damaged feathers, the owl was thoroughly examined, tagged with a ring, medicated and transferred to the aviary for a long rehabilitation. The fortunate barn owl was reunited with another rescue of the same species.

Trap Neuter and Release

Subject to constant hunger, these feral cats live by a set of hierarchical rules that dictate colony behavior and ultimately, survival. Shy and fearful, they are intelligent negotiators, full of audacity and capable of showing both gratitude and respect. I am still learning about the nature of these cats, finding these outcasted creatures are high potential and very much deserving of a good home.

With the help of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation I have been able to finance the sterilisation of these cats to reduce overpopulation and unnecessary suffering at my doorstep.

TNR programs and keeping domestic cats indoors are part of community and individual efforts that help to protect local wildlife.